All indications are that Michael Lewis has made quiet an impression on the coaches this off season. His route running and pass catching have vastly improved, according to coaches.

With the speed the Saints already have at reciever with Horn and Stallworth, having Michael Lewis at the #3 receiver would create a match-up problem by forcing the opponets #3 corner to cover Lewis.

Also by having Horn, Stallworth, and Lewis lined up at receiver on running plays, it would force the opponents defense to play honest and honor the passing game, which should open up running lanes for Duece.

Considering where Lewis come from, to where his is now, shows how hard he has worked. I like the idea of Lewis being the #3 receiver over Paython.

One thing for sure, considering how hard Lewis has worked to get where he is now, you know he will give 100% on every play.

Anyone disagree with Lewis being the #3 receiver?

tweeky

06-25-2003 08:57 AM

Michael Lewis @ reciever.

Yes I disagree with Lewis as a #3. Pathon is a quality WR, probably better than Lewis at this stage. The report on Pathon is that he\'s put on about 10lbs of muscle and has mastered all 3 WR positions. I worry about using Lewis as a #3 because he\'s so valuable as a return guy. He\'s only 170 lbs and would eventually get hurt if he played the 3wr. I like him as a fill in #4WR, an occasional #3 to spell one of our main 3 and a gadget play guy. I think he could make a great #3 if necessary but its not necessary.

roughneck

06-25-2003 09:16 AM

Michael Lewis @ reciever.

Billy, I have to respectfully disagree on this one. I don\'t post often, but enjoy the opinions of most here. I especially like your \"realistic optimism\".

By making Lewis the #3 receiver something else would have to give. Whether it is his kick returning, which I believe no one wants to lose or his punt coverage, where he accounted for 10 tackles last season, I don\'t think it would be worth it. We have a very competent, experienced and HEALTHY Jerome Pathon to fill that role. I also like the draft picks\' potential as well.

I think Lewis is much more valuable to the Saints overall where he is. I do like the idea of him in a 4-wide situation with single coverage so he can utilize his speed to break a few short passes to pay dirt, but to be on the field as a #3 receiver and special teams star would undoubtedly wear on his stamina as the season progresses and greatly increase the risk of injury to a man I don\'t want to think of missing any playing time.

LordOfEntropy

06-25-2003 12:34 PM

Michael Lewis @ reciever.

I disagree with Lewis as #3 as well. That\'d significantly increase his injury risk, and he\'s just too damn valuable on special teams to afford that risk.

coastalkid

06-25-2003 12:46 PM

Michael Lewis @ reciever.

Looks as thoug it has all been said. I agree that he shouldn\'t be used EXTENSIVELY at the #3 spot for the many reasons mentioned above. The #4 position could be fun to see from time to time. Pathon is expected to have a good year this year. But if any of the \"big three\" go down or need a spell the beerman can deliver!

tweeky

06-25-2003 12:52 PM

Michael Lewis @ reciever.

The more I think about Lewis\'s return ability, coupled with our depth at WR, I now almost hope they don\'t even let him practice at #3WR.

Is their a more exciting return man (punt and kick) in the game?

Has there been anyone this exciting since Billy \"white shoes\" Johnson?

Maybe Deion, but thats a toss up.

duece4heisman316

06-25-2003 03:10 PM

Michael Lewis @ reciever.

Michael Lewis has great speed and is a great rout-runner, but he is just too small to be a big factor at the #3 spot. Pathon is a bigger receiver with impressive speed and has been a slot receiver most of his career. When I saw the Saints play the Browns this season(the 24-15 loss was embarassing)Lewis had a 100-yard receiving game as the #4 receiver. He is a good receiver to go to in short 1st and 10 situations, where he can sneak to the middle of the field about 8-10 yards out, where Brooks can just give him the ball(God forbid) and allow Lewis to run...that\'s where he\'d be most effective. Let him do what he does best: Return kicks and punts.

Btw, saw him at the 2003 Saints caravan here in Jackson, MS...heck of a nice guy

thanks
weston

bjmf

06-25-2003 07:17 PM

Michael Lewis @ reciever.

:casstet: lewis is to fast to just sit on the bench when the offence is on the field.
decoy throw to him or whatever but use him. he\'s a weapon. when you play scared
you play to lose. use your weapons injurys happen. a meal stared at is a meal wasted.

LordOfEntropy

06-26-2003 08:24 AM

Michael Lewis @ reciever.

Would you play Michael Vick at OLB when the defence is on the field, because he\'s so fast, because he\'s such a weapon?

coastalkid

06-26-2003 11:05 AM

Michael Lewis @ reciever.

I would only hope that Atlanta would try that. Might be just what we need to see happen.